SAINTS boss Alan Pardew has been sacked, it has been revealed.

In a statement published on the club's website, it says that changes to the management were 'essential' and that Pardew along with Wally Downes and Stuart Murdoch have been relieved of their duties.

The move comes despite Saints thumping Bristol Rovers 4-0 on Saturday.

It was their first League One win of the season.

Pardew took charge of Saints at the start of last season and took them to seventh in the league, despite a ten point deduction, and also to victory in the JPT Trophy at Wembley in March.

The statement is in full below:

"Following a review of the current status in and around the First Team, the Club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the First Team management and coaching.

These targets for sustained and significant progress embrace both the First Team and the Football Development & Support Centre as integrated, co-operative units.

Consequently, the First Team Manager, Alan Pardew; First Team Coach, Wally Downes; and Goalkeeping Coach, Stuart Murdoch have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The Club wishes them well for the future.

While we have commenced our careful evaluation of our candidates and longer term requirements, Dean Wilkins has taken on the caretaker role for the First Team and he will be assisted by Martin Hunter, the Under 21 coach.

We recognise that frequent changes to the football management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions.

However, we are taking these steps to achieve our aims, which we share with all supporters, to get promoted this season, and secure long term stability and progress for our football operations.